The DECIDE Decision-Making Model is a structured process that helps individuals or teams make thoughtful, informed, and effective decisions. By breaking decision-making into clear steps, the model ensures all factors are considered before arriving at a conclusion. It's widely used in problem-solving, leadership, and personal or professional decision-making scenarios.?
The DECIDE model is an acronym for six steps:
Let’s break it down step-by-step!
What It Means: Clearly identify the problem or decision that needs to be made. The goal is to understand what you're solving and why it matters.
Key Questions to Ask:
- What is the issue I’m facing?
- Why is this decision important?
- What are the potential consequences of not addressing this problem?
Example:
- Problem: "I’m unsure whether I should take a new job offer or stay in my current role."
What It Means: Determine the factors or standards that will guide your decision. These criteria should reflect your priorities and values.
Key Questions to Ask:
- What factors are most important to me (e.g., cost, time, quality, emotional impact)?
- What must the solution accomplish?
- Are there any constraints (e.g., budget, deadlines)?
Example Criteria for a Job Decision:
- Salary and benefits.
- Work-life balance.
- Career growth opportunities.
- Commute time or remote options.
What It Means: Brainstorm all possible options or courses of action. List as many alternatives as possible, without immediately dismissing any.
Key Questions to Ask:
- What are all the potential solutions?
- Are there any creative or less obvious options I haven’t considered?
- Are there alternative perspectives or advice I can gather?
Example Alternatives for a Job Decision:
1. Accept the new job offer.
2. Stay in your current job.
3. Negotiate with your current employer for better terms.
4. Look for additional job opportunities before deciding.
What It Means: Evaluate each alternative against the criteria you established in Step 2. Consider the pros and cons of each option and how well they align with your goals.
Key Questions to Ask:
- Which option meets the most important criteria?
- What are the short-term and long-term consequences of each option?
- Do I have all the information I need to decide?
Example Evaluation for a Job Decision:
| Criteria | Option 1: New Job | Option 2: Stay | Option 3: Negotiate |
|-----------------------|-----------------------|---------------------|--------------------------|
| Salary & Benefits |? Higher pay | Steady income | Possible increase |
| Work-Life Balance | Longer hours |? Good balance |? Negotiable |
| Career Growth |? More opportunities | Limited growth | Uncertain |
Best Option: "Option 1: Accept the new job offer."
What It Means: Once you’ve chosen the best option, create an action plan to implement it effectively.
Key Questions to Ask:
- What specific steps do I need to take?
- Who else is involved or impacted by this decision?
- What is my timeline for implementing the plan?
Example Plan for Accepting a Job Offer:
1. Notify the new employer of your acceptance.
2. Inform your current employer and submit a resignation letter.
3. Plan your transition and wrap up pending work.
4. Prepare for the new role (e.g., paperwork, training).
What It Means: Reflect on the outcome of your decision to determine if it achieved the desired results. Use this step to learn from the process and improve future decision-making.
Key Questions to Ask:
- Did this decision solve the problem?
- Were there any unexpected outcomes?
- What could I have done differently in the decision-making process?
Example Evaluation Questions for a Job Decision:
- Am I satisfied with my new role?
- Did the new job meet my expectations?
- What lessons can I apply to future career decisions?
Scenario: You’re deciding whether to buy a car or continue using public transportation.
“Should I buy a car, or should I stick with public transport?”
Establish the Criteria:
Reliability of public transportation in my area.
Consider the Alternatives:
Use ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft.
Identify the Best Option:
After comparing the alternatives to the criteria, you decide to buy a used car because it balances cost, convenience, and reliability.
Develop and Implement a Plan:
Secure financing and complete the purchase.
Evaluate the Decision:
By following the DECIDE Decision-Making Model, you can make thoughtful, well-informed choices that align with your goals and values.